Early versions of the modern ball cap can be seen as far back as the 1860¡¯s, although the style commonly seen today was not popularized until the early 1940¡¯s. Ball caps have remained relatively unchanged since their creation. A soft top cap along with a stiff bill in the front embody the modern ball cap, which may or may not have an adjustable back. Many people wear ball caps on a daily basis, making the need to properly wash them very important.

Step1: Determine what material your ball cap is made of. Wool caps need to be washed differently than cotton or jersey caps, so check your hat for washing or care instructions prior to cleaning. New cotton caps can be washed in your washing machine, but wool caps or older caps need to be washed by hand.

Step2: Test your hat for color-fastness. A number of materials are not colorfast and will bleed onto other fabrics while washing. To check for color-fastness, use a wet washcloth and a little detergent. Rub a spot on the inside of your hat. If the color does not change and dye is not transferred to your washcloth, the hat will be fine.

Step3: Apply a stain remover to stubborn stains. Sweat and dirt can be difficult to remove. Be sure to spray the sweatband and bill of the ball caps to remove any grime.

Step4: Place newer ball caps in the washing machine. Instruct the machine to run a gentle, cold water cycle. Add in a small amount of fabric detergent and allow the machine to run a full cycle.

Step5: Wash any wool caps or older caps by hand. Fill your sink with cool water and then add detergent. Scrub the caps gently with your hands, taking care not to pull or stretch the wool. Set them on a towel to allow some of the water to drain off.

Step6: Remove your caps from the washer and straighten out any fold or wrinkles. Check to make sure that all of the grime was removed from the cap. If not, run them through another cycle.

Step7: Set enough coffee cans on your counter to place one ball cap over the top of each can. Reshape the caps while they are sitting on the cans and allow them to air dry. Once they are completely dry, you can remove them from the cans and enjoy your freshly washed ball caps.